Antibiotic Stewardship - Promoting Responsible Antibiotic Use

Antibiotic Stewardship refers to coordinated efforts to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics in healthcare settings. It involves strategies to optimize antibiotic prescribing, minimize resistance development, and improve patient outcomes.

Antibiotic Stewardship FAQ

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What is antimicrobial stewardship?

The aim of the Commission’s work on antimicrobial stewardship is to improve the safe and appropriate use of antimicrobials, reduce patient harm and prevent and contain antimicrobial resistance in Australia. Inappropriate use, and overuse, of antimicrobials contributes to an increase in resistant bacteria and may result in patient harm.

How can antimicrobial stewardship improve patient outcomes?

Timely review of antimicrobial prescriptions, ideally by an antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) team comprising an infectious diseases (ID) physician and clinical pharmacist, is a useful strategy to optimise antimicrobial use. Point-of-care interventions, based on reviews or data, can improve patient management and patient outcomes.

What are antibiotic stewardship programs?

That means prescribing the right drug at the right dose at the right time for the right duration. Initiatives dedicated to improving antibiotic use are commonly referred to as antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs).

Why is antibiotic stewardship important?

Antibiotic stewardship helps address these dangers by ensuring that antibiotics are used only when needed. Stewardship also ensures that patients receive the most effective treatment option and that it is administered correctly, which is key to protecting individuals’ health and helping them recover as quickly as possible.

What is the antimicrobial stewardship clinical care standard?

The Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Care Standard supports quality improvement by health services and clinicians to help reduce antimicrobial resistance. Questions? The Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Clinical Care Standard provides guidance to clinicians and health service managers on delivering appropriate care when prescribing antimicrobials.

What is antimicrobial stewardship in Australian health care 2018?

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Australian Health Care 2018 summarises current evidence about antimicrobial stewardship strategies and interventions and how to implement them. The Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Care Standard and supporting resources aim to ensure a consistent approach to optimal treatment of patients with a bacterial infection.